A/N: Okay I know I'm going to piss off some people with Damien and with Eric and his little adventures. Eric and Sookie suffer from total lack of communication. She doubts, He doubts, it's a vicious cycle. Enjoy! Don't kill me!
SPOV
This week flew by. After our little emotional scene that night, It seems like Eric and I have been getting closer. He calls to speak with James and I every night. The night after we had "the talk", my car was delivered the very next morning fixed courtesy of Eric. I tried to pay him back, but he would not take the money. He's so stubborn sometimes, but for once I decided to let it slide.
Eric has only been able to come up to see James once more since the night he took him go karting. Victor Madden has been in town for some investigation or another so Eric has been staying away. The night he came up we all sat around and watched the new Star Trek movie and Eric began trying to teach James how to play chess. It was funny watching my little man get so frustrated trying to beat Eric. Then they both decided to gang up on me and tease me. I felt like I was being attacked by Eric and his little mini me clone. Eric also made sure James and I met the guards when he came up. They where some were's from a Baton Rouge pack. My little boy was totally impressed he had honest to god werewolves guarding him.
I've barely felt the bond at all since Eric promised to keep it closed off. I'll feel a random emotion here and there, but never lust. Well unless you count the night he came up to visit. After we put James to bed, Eric and I where sitting on the front porch just talking. Of course he felt the need to practically sit on top on me on the porch swing and flirt with me incessantly.
"Sookie, hold on you've got something right here on your top." he reached over and ran his finger over the top of my breast.
"Cut it out you child."
"No." and he just gave me that smirk and wink and im a goner. I just had to stick my tongue out at him.
He had laughed so loud I felt the porch shake.
I had forwarded my resume on to Damien and went on the interview the very next day. After the interview, I had agreed to meet Damien for coffee. We sat and spoke about books for awhile and he asked me out on a date for Saturday night. I had already made plans with Eric to take James to the fair that was in town.
Damien asked me if he could accompany us. Wouldn't that be a sight. "Damien this is Eric, James's father.. Oh and did I mention he's a badass Viking vampire".
I told him I did not feel comfortable introducing him to James's so soon. It was true. So instead we made plans to go out on a date Sunday during the day. Jason was taking his son and James fishing so I figured it would be a perfect opportunity. I'd already given the guards Sunday during the day off since Jason was a were-panther and could protect us if need be. I did not need Eric's goon squad trailing me on a date.
It's now Saturday night and we are going to the carnival with Eric. We are driving to meet Eric at his house in Shreveport and leaving from there. James comes barreling into the house covered in mud and dirt.
"James Eric Northman! How did you get so dirty? We are leaving in 30 minutes. Get your ass cleaned up immediately." He had been playing with Michael and lord knows what they got into. I sent him up to clean up.
The night James's found out Eric was his dad; He'd given Eric the custody papers. When I spoke with Eric last night, he told me the papers had been filed already and that James name was legally changed already. I asked him how much it cost to get it done so quickly, and his only reply was "Enough".
The drive to Eric's home took about 45 minutes. He lived in a gated community on Long Lake. Driving through this complex littered with mcmansion's James eye's just bugged out of his head. We had always lived in more modest surroundings. We made the turn onto water's edge circle, and Eric's house was the third one on the left.
'That it James." I tell him pulling up in front of Eric's home. Eric lives in a three story grey brick modern colonial. It's a big house, but not as ostentatious as I had pictured it to be. The garage door is open, and I see the corvette, but also a Gunmetal grey Hummer and a Black motorcycle, I'm guessing is a Harley.
James bolts out of the car and runs up to the front door. Seconds later Eric opens the door to him and bends down to give him a hug. I walk over to them, and Eric greets me with a hug and a kiss on the forehead.
"Would you like a tour?" he asks us both. We agree and eric shows us around. The First room we are in is a formal living room. We walk through that and into a dining room. Eric's decorating is very modern European in design. He shows us the full kitchen, filled with top of line stainless steel appliances.
We go upstairs and Eric says "My room is down the hall" and points to a set on double metal doors. But he opens the door we are in front of. Inside I find a room with a nice cherry wood sleigh bed, and a flat screen on the wall. There are some oriental weapons hanging on the wall that have to be authentic antiques.
"James this is your room." he tells our son.
'Really Eric?" James looks around wide eyed. "Come see the bathroom". Eric directs us toward a closed door. The bathroom is huge. It has a separate shower and a small Jacuzzi tub, big enough for a six year old to swim in though. There is an expensive looking model of a Viking ship molded to the wall.
"So what do you think James?" he asks him.
"Oh this is awesome Eric. You want me to stay over your house?' he asks Eric.
"Of course. I believe it's quite normal when parent's share custody of a child, for the child to spend time in both parent's homes. Is it not Sookie?" I wonder what website he read that off of.
"Yeah Eric it is." I tell him.
Our last stop on the tour was Eric's backyard. He has a huge lagoon style pool with a hot tub and a rock waterfall with a built in slide.
"Hey mom, why do we live in such a crappy house?" James asks me.
I hear Eric laughing. "James, some people don't feel the NEED to live in such a flashy place." I say while glaring at Eric.
Why mom? I'd much rather live in a place like this." He smirks over to Eric.
"I tend to agree with him." Eric says back to me.
"I'll be waiting in the driveway if you two decide you want to join me at the fair." With that I stomp off towards my car. I can hear Dr. Evil and his mini me laughing in the background. How dare they both insult my gran's house. Okay our home in Sanibel was nicer, but still.
A few moments later Eric and James come out of the garage."Sookie could you move that "CAR" of your's over behind the corvette, we are taking the Hummer." Eric yells over to me. James is already climbing in the backseat. I go move my Jeep quickly, and go and hop in Eric's Hummer.
The ride to the fair takes us about 15 minutes. Eric still speeds, but I notice with James in the car does not go quite as fast as he normally would. Eric's got system of a down playing in the car on the ride over, and I notice that both Eric and James are bopping along to it.
We get to the fair, and walk over to the main gates. Eric pays our admission and we head on in. Almost immediately, James grabs both mine and Eric's hands and he's in the middle of us. To the outside world, we appear to be a young good looking couple with our equally adorable son.
Our first destination is the games area. James immediately runs over to the stand where they have the goldfish. You need to toss a ball in the little bowl to win a fish. Eric gives the attendant some money and he and James split the balls between them.
"What needs to be done James?" he asks my son.
"Oh simple, toss the ball in the bowl, if you get it in, you win a fish." Eric nods and they both test their luck. Eric and James both win fishes.
As we are heading over to another game, James asks Eric "What are you naming your fish?" Eric seems to ponder this a moment and answers "Bill". And quirks his eyebrow at me.
Why would you name your fish after Uncle Bill Eric?"
"He is not your uncle James; he is your mother's former boyfriend." James looks over to him. "You mean they used to kiss?" It seems Eric and James are having some kind of silent exchange. "Yes". Eric tells him.
"Eww mom, you used to kiss Bill… gross." James and Eric both look at each other and start laughing.
I really have no response to this, so I just shake my head and head off in front of them.
"You think she's mad Eric?" hearing James ask him.
"Without a doubt". Eric replied jovially. Have I mentioned he's a dick lately?
We play some more games and the head over to the rides. We let James go on some of the children's rides while we hang out waiting for him.
When James is riding on the swings, Eric and I are waiting for him off to side. Eric slides his arm around me and kisses me on the cheek.
"What's that for Eric?" I ask him.
"Oh no reason, I'm just enjoying myself."
After James get's off the ride, we come across one of those tunnel of love rides.
James asks me why the ride is called the tunnel of love. I'm stumped as to what to say, but quicker than anything, Eric says "It's so grownups can kiss."
"Wanna go for a ride Sookie?" he asks me with a smirk and cocked eyebrow.
James just busts out laughing. And Eric is grinning like a fool as I just keep getting redder and redder. "You both better stop teasing me …or… I'll…I'll." I sputter.
"You'll what Sookie… Kiss us?" Eric says and they both start laughing at me. I'd love to know what this little inside joke the two of them have with kissing is.
James wants to go on the Gravitron, and since I got sick on that ride as a child, I have Eric take him. "Sookie, is that you?" I hear from behind me.
I turn around to see Alcide Heveraux. "Alcide!!" I scream at the top of my lungs and run over and give him a big hug. "I heard you where back Sookie." he says releasing the hug.
'What are you doing at the fair Alcide?"
"I'm supposed to meet my sister and her kids here. Can't seem to find them." He states. We make small talk for a few minutes. I ask Alcide how his business and pack are doing.
Alcide goes on to tell me he had heard from Bill I was back but had not told him where I'd been. Apparently Bill had been assisting Alcide's pack with some investigation.
"Yeah that sociopath Northman let us use Bill. He owed us for …well when you disappeared. He had everyone out looking for you." Alcide tells me.
I noticed just then that the Gravitron had stopped and James is heading over to me." Where's your father?" I ask him. Hoping I can get Alcide out of here before Eric appears. I'm secretly praying James does not say Eric's name, but let's me keep referring to him as his father. I really don't need drama right now.
"Oh I think he got a little dizzy, he said he needed a minute. He looked green mom." Grins James.
"And what's your name?" Alcide asks James while staring at him intently. "I'm James Northman." My son replies glaring right back at him evilly.
James does not like something he heard from Alcide's mind. I can tell. My son is usually much more polite when he firsts meets people.
"Northman eh? What's that all about Sookie?" he questions me. "Not now Alcide." I scold him.
"Leave them alone Hevereaux, NOW." Eric demands from behind me. He slips one arm around my waist, and places one hand on James.
Alcide nods and turns around and stalks off. "Eric, he really hates you." James says
"Why do you say that James?" Eric bends down to be eye level with him." When I walked up he was thinking mommy was pretty and he wanted to ask her out for a date. He saw me and stared at me. He hated me. He thought I looked like you. He thought you where a monster and something called a sociopath."
"You know, your mom always did have problems with admirers, especially ones with fur who bark at the moon." James and Eric stare at each other and start laughing again.
The rest of our night is thankfully drama free. Well other than almost being banned from Wal Mart. James was due to start his new school Monday, and we stopped off to get him school supplies. I was busy picking up everything from the list the school emailed us, while James and Eric took off in the other direction. Once I have everything I go looking for my two troublemakers. Eric speeds past me on a skateboard, only to crash into a dvd display. James comes riding up and stops in front of me just glancing over at Eric shaking his head.
A Security guard comes running up yelling" That's it! I'm calling the cops!" Eric gets up and heads over to the guard to no doubt glamour him. That is until I see James looking up at him speaking softly" You will forget this. Turn around and walk away." And just like that, the guard leaves us.
"Did you just glamour him James?" Eric asks with pride in his voice.
"Yep." James tells him grinning like a little possessed demon.
"You did well son." Eric walks over and pats him on the back. Wait one minute. Did Eric just praise him for glamouring someone. This is so not my life.
"James, you will NEVER, EVER do that again. Do you understand me?" I yell hoping to convey just how angry I am with him.
"And you." I whip around to Eric. " Don't ever encourage him to behave like that buddy. Your supposed to be a role model, not his partner in crime." I say poking a finger at his chest. I turn around and walk away from both of them. I need a few minutes of space.
I hear James say "She's mad at us again, huh Eric?"
"So it would seem." Eric replies to him.
By the time we get back to Eric's house it's after 1:30am. Eric pulls the car into his driveway, but does not get out. "You going back out?" I ask him.
"Yes, I have some things to do at the club?" He tells me. We all say our goodbyes and Eric asks me to text him when we get home safe.
James falls asleep half- way back to Bon Temps. I carry him and his fish into the house. And put him to bed. I place the fish (James named him Optimus, for whatever reason) on the table next to his bed. It's been such a long day I go to my room and text Eric to let him know we got home okay. He does not answer. I guess he's otherwise occupied. With whom I have no idea. I feel slightly jealous when I go to sleep.
The next morning Jason arrives at 8:00am to pick James up. I had a really hard time getting him up since he'd gone to bed so late last night. I feed Jason and the boy's breakfast and have them on the way to the lake by 8:45am.
I don't need to meet Damien until 11:00am. That gives me plenty of time to get ready and make my way to Shreveport. I'd decided to meet him rather than have him pick me up in Bon Temps. We had planned to meet at the flea market and go to lunch.
Damien is such an intelligent man. We walk around the flea market just having a terrific time looking at all the odds and ends. I learn that Damien is originally from California, divorced and has traveled extensively throughout the world. I had not dipped into his mind the first two times we met, but I decide to now. Nothing. A complete blank. I don't feel anything supernatural from him. This has got to be the first time I've never heard a human before.
After the flea market we make our way to this cute little bistro for lunch. After we order, He asks me how the fair was. "Did you and your son enjoy the fair last night?"
"Oh yes we had a wonderful time." I go on to tell him about all the games we played and the rides we went on. Of course omitting everything that had to do with Eric. I then tell him we stopped after for school supplies since James was starting school tomorrow.
"Which school district are you?" He questions.
'Oh we live in Bon Temps, but James's will be going to Southfield School here in Shreveport." I tell him taking a sip of my ice tea.
"Southfield? Sookie that school is quite exclusive. They have a several year waiting list to get in. Not to mention tuition is quite high. How can you afford to send him there on a librarian's salary…if you don't mind me asking?"
Of course he is right. I could never afford to pay the tuition to a school like this."Oh, his father pay's for school." I tell him.
"Oh that's nice. How long have you been divorced from his father?' he questions. Of course he would assume I was divorced. I'd actually never been married. Well legally, since the vamp marriage thing is not legal. Time to think fast.
'We split up before James was born". Okay there we go. A time frame but nothing exact.
"Is he still in Florida?" What the hell is this, the damn Spanish Inquisition? Not being that experienced with dating, I'm really unaccustomed to all these "get to know you" type questions, which I assume are quite normal.
"Actually he's from Shreveport. He owns a bar and a few other businesses in the area." There we go. The truth … to a point. Now is not the time to have the "my baby daddy is actually a vampire conversation."
Thankfully he drops that topic but then brings up Pam. "So a vampire for a friend huh?"
"Oh yeah, Pam and I have known each other about 9 years now. She's a good friend."
"Wow", he replies" most people would be afraid to be friends with a vampire, but that's cool." Yeah sure, until you get staked for the first time by religious nut jobs, it's a party.
We spend the next few hours just sitting in the restaurant talking and laughing until I notice it's getting late and Jason should be back from fishing quite soon.
"I need to get going Damien. James's is fishing with his uncle today, and they will be back any minute.
Damien walks me out to the car. "Sookie, it's not official, but the hiring committee met Friday, and I'm pretty sure they will call tomorrow to offer you the job with an immediate start." He tells me.
This would be amazing. "I hope so. Thanks for recommending me again.'
'Oh not a problem at all Sookie." Damien leans over to kiss me goodbye. We kiss for about 15 minutes, till I finally have to push him away since I need to leave.
"I would like to see you again Sookie, when are you free?" he asks.
Since I don't know when I'll be free with school starting this week, me possibly starting a job, and our belongings arriving from Florida, I let him know it will be an extremely busy week and I'll call him when I can. Oh yeah DeCastro this week as well. But he does not need to know that.
We part with another quick kiss and I high-tail it back to Bon Temps checking just to make sure I have no goons tailing me. Even though I have every right to date, I'm not ready to have that conversation with Eric yet.
Bright and early Monday morning, Nigel, James's guard arrives to drive him to school. After he leaves the house feels so empty. I have rarely been on my own at all in the past few weeks. It's amazing that a month ago, I was living in Florida and James had no idea about Eric.
I decide to check my bank account and check my email to see if there is anything from the realtor. Nothing from the realtor, but there is an email from Eric. For the first time, he'd forgot to call us last night.
From:
To:
Subject: DeCastro
Sookie,
Sorry I was unable to return your text Saturday night. When I arrived at fangstasia, One of DeCastro's messengers was there to inform me the meeting is scheduled for Thursday Night. I was so angry; I forget to check my phone. Last night I found myself occupied with other matters that needed my attention (i.e. He was getting laid) but I did manage to text James and wish him luck with his first day at school tomorrow and let him know I will call him to inquire how it went.
James's first Karate class is scheduled for Wednesday night from 7:00pm – 8:00pm. I would like to accompany him to class and have him spend the night at my home on Wednesday as well. His guard can drive him from my home to school Thursday Morning. I hope you are agreeable to this. If this is okay, I will have his guard stay with him until I rise.
Eric
Hmm. Looks like I'll be free Wednesday Night. The guards Eric hired are not around all the time. James's has a guard 24/7 unless Eric is with us. There is one other guard that follows me if I call and let him know I'm leaving my home. If I'm home, since my house has wards around it, we only have James's guard patrolling the property. If he's not home, then. No guards. I call and leave a message for Damien that I'm free Wednesday if he wants to go out. I find even though I still have feelings for Eric, I am enjoying spending time with Damien. I'm single aren't I? It's not like Mr. High and Mighty Northman has made any comments about wanting to get back together after all. Besides, it's more important that Eric and I get along for James's sake as friends. Suppose we did get back together and ended up breaking up again. I can't put my son through that heartache.
In the afternoon I get a call from the head of the Library at LSU. I got the job!!!! And they want me to come in Wednesday to meet with everyone and do the paperwork and I start Thursday morning and work 8am- 5pm Monday to Friday. Perfect. Around 4:30pm, James get's home from school. He had a great day and loves his new school. I'm glad.
I start dinner about 6:30pm leaving James in the living room to work on this homework. My phone rings about 15 minutes later. It's Eric.
"Hi Eric guess what I got the job!!" I tell him excitedly.
"That great Sookie, I'm so happy for you." I tell him about the job and the hours and such while im working on dinner. I let him know that I'm fine with Wednesday and suggest if he wants, we could make it an every Wednesday thing.
"That would be good. I find myself enjoying the boy's company". He tells me.
"DeCastro wants to meet at 10pm on Thursday night." Pausing for a moment, "If you'd like, I will pick you up around 7pm and we can go to dinner first."
"You don't need to do that Eric; I'm sure your busy I'll just meet you at like 9pm at the bar." I tell him.
"If you do not wish to accompany me to dinner, just tell me. Do not make excuses." He says angrily.
Why is he angry? I was just trying to save him a drive out here." Eric, I was just trying to save you a trip out here. It's not that I don't want to go with you."
"Oh it is no trouble. Would you like to go? Friends do things together, do they not?" he tells me.
Can I really be friends with Eric? "Of course friends do things together. Sounds good. I'll see you at 7 on Thursday then."
'Good, I'll speak with James now."
I call James over to the phone so he can speak with Eric. He tells him all about his first day at school. I hear a few okay's, giggles and a talk to you tomorrow, and he hangs up.
"So what did Eric have to say?" I ask him as we sit down to dinner.
Digging into his pasta" He told me I'm staying at his house on Wednesday, and he's gonna take me to karate."
"You okay with that honey? Staying at his house with him? If it's too soon, I can just have him take you to karate and bring you home." I don't want James to be uncomfortable, and he's only really had two weeks to adjust to having Eric in his life.
"No Mom, it's cool. I like Eric. I was not sure about him at first, but he really likes me, I can tell." He replies smiling at me.
"Well of course he does sweetie, He is your dad."
"Mom" he hesitates." You don't think he's going to want me to call him dad yet do you?"
"I don't think so honey. You don't need to call him dad until you are ready." I reassure him.
"I mean I will one day mom, just not yet. I like that he's not mean to you anymore. He promised me he would be nice." He smiles at me.
So that's why Eric is being so nice to me. Of course. He promised James. In the past few weeks I've come to realize that Eric does care for James a great deal. He would do anything to make his son happy, even get along with me. Although getting along really does not require him to flirt the way he does. But I suppose that is just part of Eric's charm. Or maybe he just enjoys messing with me.
"He also told me he's taking you out to dinner and his bar on Thursday." He giggles.
"Why is that funny?" I ask. "Oh, no reason mom." He giggles again.
Tuesday went by in somewhat of a blur. All our belongings arrived from Florida, and I spent the day unpacking everything and throwing out things I no longer wanted in the old house anymore. Once again, Eric called James before bed and spoke to him for a few minutes. He'd called on James's cell phone tonight, so I did not speak to him at all.
It's Wednesday morning and I start my job today. Since I need to be in Shreveport, I decide to drop off James at his school and also go in and meet his teacher quickly. Once we get to the school I run and meet his teacher Miss Meadows.
She tells me Hello and mentions that "Mr. Northman" had called her last night and spoke with her as well. Okay. I would not be surprised if Eric had run a full background check on everyone of the school's employees.
She does go on to say though that she will not allow the bodyguard in class with him, and that he would need to wait outside the school office during the day. "Did you voice this with Mr. Northman?" I question.
"Oh yes Mrs. Northman, but your husband stated that it was non- negotiable. I will take it up with the principal if I have to" she states. Oh good lord. She does not want to take on Eric. She'll end up drained in the bayou poor thing.
I hear James laughing in the background. Somehow I think it has to do with the Mrs. Northman comment his teacher made.
"Well perhaps Miss Meadows", I start, "Would it be okay if the guard sits outside the classroom. James's father is quite involved in both business and politics in this state, and does have enemies".
"That would be fine Mrs. Northman; your husband really gave me no chance to offer alternatives. He was…. Quite abrupt with me." I just bet he was.
I finish up with the teacher, and head over to James to say goodbye. 'Bye honey, have fun I'll call you tonight before bed okay?'
"Bye "Mrs. Northman". He says and giggles again. Smart ass.
I get to LSU a little early and walk around the campus a bit. I meet with my new boss and fill out all the new hire paperwork. I sent a text to Damien asking him if he wanted to grab lunch. We end up just going to the campus grill. It was a pleasant lunch and we parted with a quick kiss and plans to meet this evening.
Work finished up by 5pm and I make my way back to Bon Temps. I'd arranged with Damien to have him pick me up at home, and we where going to eat over in Monroe. I run in the house and jump in the shower and change into something more comfortable. It's nearly 7 and Damien should be here any moment. Never having been away from my child even one night, I found myself obsessively wondering what he was up to. So I decide to text Eric.
Sookie: Everything okay with you guys?
It takes about five minutes before my phone beeps.
Eric: Great. We just arrived at the karate class. I'm surrounded by divorced women.
Sookie: How good for you. Did you get him dinner?
Eric: Yes. We stopped at a diner and he had a cheeseburger and fries. Was that okay?
Sookie: Yep. Enjoy class. Make sure he's in bed by 9:30pm..K?
Eric: You got it Mrs. Northman.
Damn that kid. He must have told Eric about the teacher's comment today.
Damien shows up right on time and I quickly show him around the house and we head out. We had decided to keep it casual so we ended up at a TGI Fridays. We placed our food and drink orders and are enjoying a conversation about Charlotte Bronte when my phone beeps again.
Eric: We are swimming now. I'm wearing Speedos.
Pig.
I flip open my phone to answer him.
Sookie: How nice for you. Tara is over and we are catching up. Call u later.
"Sorry about that Damien". I apologize. "It was just my son's father asking me something.
We enjoy the rest of our dinner in peace and decide to sit at the bar for a bit. I can see that it's almost 9:30 so I tell Damien I'll be right back I need to call James and say goodnight. Since I don't feel like speaking with Eric, I call James cell phone.
He picks up on the second ring. "Hey Mom"
"Hi Honey did you having fun with Eric?" I ask him.
"Yep. We went to eat and karate and swimming".
"Did you enjoy the pool?"
'Yes Mom. It was real fun. We swam and went down the slide."
'Well you have a goodnight Hun, and I'll see you tomorrow night okay? Love you."
"Love you too mommy" and he hangs up.
I'm a little emotional after hanging up, since he's never spent the night away from home before and he really does not seem all that upset. I head back in the bar and sit next Damien. He must have been able to sense I was upset.
'Everything okay sweetheart?" he asks and takes hold of my hand.
"Oh it's fine. I've just never let James's stay over his dad's before. Empty nest syndrome I guess." And I laugh.
We spend another half hour or so at the bar. We walk out to Damien's car hand in hand. On the drive back to my home, Damien asks me if I'd like to come over tomorrow night after work and he'd make dinner.
"I can't Damien I'm a single mom. I'm not able to go out every night." No use in mentioning i'm going out to dinner with my son's father who's a vampire and then later going to his vampire bar, to meet with the vampire king. No. He thought I was hip with one vamp friend, knowing how involved I am would send any sane person running for the hills.
"But we could have lunch tomorrow." I offer as a compromise.
We get back to my house and Damien walks me to my door. We spend the next 20 minutes saying goodbye with our lips and tongues. I sense a void and I'm hoping to holy hell its Bill. With another quick peck I say goodnight and head in the house. As soon as I hear Damien's car pull down the driveway I hear a knock at the door. Bill's waiting on the other side.
Without even a greeting. "What the hell are you doing Sookie? Making out with that man like that." Oh he's got nerve.
"Bill Compton! I'm single I can kiss whomever I like."
"Where's James that you can run around like this?" he seethes.
"If you must know, He's with Eric at his house tonight."
He rolls his eyes at me. "You must be really stupid Sookie. DeCastro is in the area. If you where seen, with this other man it could be very dangerous. I'm sure Eric told you this when you informed him of your date this evening."
Inform Eric I'm dating. Not going to happen." He does not know Bill. I would not know how to tell him." I say softly.
"Look I'm tired Bill and I have work in the morning and a long night tomorrow, anything else? I ask.
He sighs. "No Sookie I just wanted to tell you I can watch James tomorrow night. I was ordered by the Eric to watch James tomorrow along with the guards while he takes you on a date and to meet DeCastro."
"A Date?" The nerve of that vampire." We are only going to dinner as friends. It's not a date bill. He probably said that to get a rise out of you." I explain.
I say my goodnight to Bill and immediately head back to my room to get ready for bed. Tomorrow will a VERY long day.
Today is the day. I have to meet with DeCastro tonight. Brushing off my negative thoughts about tonight, I rush to shower and dress and get out to Shreveport.
My morning went well. Of course it would take a few weeks to learn all the facets of my new position. At 12, Damien came by to take me to lunch. We decided to hit a little sushi place off campus. He asks me if I want to go clubbing with him Friday. Just to make conversation I ask him where he wants to go.
"Where are you planning to go?"
"Oh, well I was thinking, since your friend Pam is a vampire, that we could all go to this vampire bar called Fangtasia. Take a bit of a walk on the wild side." OH NO. There is no way in holy hell I'll go anywhere near Fangtasia with Damien.
"No, I can't go Damien. James remember?" I tell while having a bite of my salmon sashimi.
"Well what nights does his father take him?" he asks me.
"Wednesday's which was why we where able to go out last night." I'm really starting to get pissed off now and let him know. "Damien, my son is my main priority; if that bothers you I'm sorry."
"Oh no Sookie, its just that I really like you. I'd like us to become closer. I'd be more than happy to spend time with both you and your son, if you'd allow me.
Of course, this is what dating is..right? You meet people, go on dates, integrate them into your life.. right? But my life is complicated. Can I even life a "Normal" existence?.. who knows.
We finish our lunch quickly and head back to campus. When 5pm rolls around, I run out of the library and speed to try and get home quickly. I'd like to see James for a little while, and Eric will be here at 7pm to pick me up.
I get home around 5:45pm and walk in my front door. "Hi Mommy" ! James yells and runs into my arms.
"Did you have fun with Eric yesterday?" I ask him.
'Oh yeah mom it was fun. After school Nigel drove me to his house and we played pool in Eric's basement till he woke up. When Eric got up, he took me out for dinner and then we went to karate. When we got home, we went swimming and he told me a Viking story before bed. " he finishing his recount of his night.
"Do you think you might like to spend every Wednesday night with him?"
"Yeah mom. Eric told me I can go trick or treating in his neighborhood this year. They will have better candy then here". He states to me.
'Sounds good honey, I need to get ready Eric will be here soon." I give him a kiss and leave him to finish his homework.
I head into my room to change. I end up picking a nice black DKNY dress I'd picked up on sale for a Christmas party at the library last year. I fix my hair a bit when I hear talking in my living room. Still needing to put on my makeup, I open my door a little wider to listen to what's going on:
"Hey Eric." I hear my son greet.
"James, how are you tonight?"
"Oh fine. Just doing homework. Who's watching me tonight?" he asks Eric.
"Compton."
I finish putting on my makeup, grab my bag and head toward the living room. Eric is sitting on the couch next to James helping him with what looks like math. When he senses my presence his rises and turns to me. He's dressed in a black Gucci suit with a black shirt and black silk tie, he looks gorgeous. But who am I kidding? That man looks gorgeous in anything.
James whips around and takes in my appearance. "You look really pretty mommy... doesn't she Eric?
"Indeed" he answers leering at me.
Just then there is a knock at the door. Eric goes over to the door to open and Bill is on the other side." Compton." he greets with a snarl. ""Hi Bill." I say to him.
"Sheriff, Sookie." he replies.
"Hey little man." He says to James.
"Compton." My little boy says to him somewhat rudely. Great. Now he's taking his cues from Eric.
"James, remember your manners." I scold him.
"Fine. Hi Bill." He amends.
Eric grabs my arm to glide me to his car. "Have a good night son, I will call you tomorrow." Eric says to our son. James bids us both goodbye and we leave. Off to meet with DeCastro.
EPOV
After having our talk, things got much better between Sookie and I. I called and spoke to her and James every night. Victor Madden had come into town, so I thought it best to keep my distance from them. Victor had been trying to stir up trouble since he heard sookie was back. But I managed to put him off. The final night of his trip, Pam and I had arranged for a little orgy to entertain him. I partook as well. Why not, after all, I am not attached. Granted, I am bonded and pledged, but Sookie and I had been apart for years. I had resolved myself the night of our talk to reconcile with her, but find myself doubting that logic now.
Do I really want the hassle of a relationship? Then there is James to consider. If Sookie and I where to get back together, I'm sure it would please him greatly. But, what if we ended up splitting up? Sookie can be stubborn and immature at times. Lest I forget the night we got together. She refused to stay with me and did not want to know how I felt about her. It could damage him. And that I will not tolerate. James is an innocent in all this. I will protect him at all costs, even if it means I have to deny myself Sookie.
The night Victor left, I headed out to Bon Temps to spend time with Sookie and James. We had a very nice night watching a movie and I started to teach my boy chess. I could see his frustration when he was unable to beat me. I had to chuckle to myself. So much like me. After James went to sleep, Sookie and I were sitting on the front porch swing talking.
"Sookie, James gave me the custody papers, I've had them filed and his name is now legally changed." I tell her.
"Oh okay." She replied. Not even a fight. Odd. I decided to rile her up a bit.
"Sookie, hold on you've got something right here on your top." I reached over and run my finger over the top of her breast.
"Cut it out you child." She says back to me glaring.
"No." and I smirk and wink at her.
She then stuck her tongue out at me. Stunned for a moment, I just could not stop myself from laughing. I loved it when things where light between us. It reminded me of how much fun we used to have together. When Sookie wasn't so busy "Being Sookie" she could really be a lot of fun.
We made plans that night to take James's to the fair in Shreveport on Saturday. I was looking forward to it. And I'm sure the boy would enjoy it. I told Sookie to bring him to my home and we would go there.
Right on time, I hear her old beater car pull up. "I hope it does not leak oil all over my driveway." I think to myself as I go to open the front door. James runs over to me and I bend down to give him a hug. I greet Sookie with a hug as well and a kiss on the forehead.
Asking them if they would like a tour, I show them around the downstairs. Sookie is looking around taking everything in. If she had not been so stubborn, she would be living here. Taking them upstairs, I decided to point out my bedroom down the hall and then show James's his room. A few days ago I had pulled some of my oriental weapons out of storage and placed them in his room. I also arranged for the room to be furnished. I have several empty rooms upstairs.
James walked in with me, and I explained to him that this was his room for when he stayed over.
"So what do you think James?" I ask him.
"Oh this is awesome Eric. You want me to stay over your house?
I want him to stay over? Of course I do. And tell him so. How could he think differently? He must get this trait from Sookie. This doubt. Hopefully in time I can rid him of this habit.
Lastly I take them out to my pool area. I'd known from talking to James that he enjoyed swimming, and I knew he'd love my pool. He looks around with wide eyes and says out loud, "Hey mom, why do we live in such a crappy house?"
I just could not stop from laughing. Why indeed. Ask your mother son.
"James, some people don't feel the NEED to live in such a flashy place". She says defensively and glares over at me. I'll never understand why she loves that dump out in Bon Temps so much.
Why mom? I'd much rather live in a place like this" James tells her point blank.
"I tend to agree with him." I retorted back to her with a smirk.
She informs us both she'll be out in the driveway if we want to go to the fair and turns and stomps back through my house. I turn to my son and we both bust out laughing.
"We better get going James." I tell him and lead him back through to the garage. Once we hit the garage I tell him we are taking the Hummer and to hop in. I yell to Sookie to move her "car" behind the corvette and come on.
The ride over to the fairgrounds did not take long at all, while driving I hit a System of the Down song on my ipod and bop along. I notice out of the corner of my eye that James is also doing the same thing. I smile to myself.
Once we get there, we all jump out of the car and head to the entrance. James goes in between us, and grabs both our hands. It was really quite cute. Heading over to the games area, our first stop was this stand that had little fish in bowls. I hand the attendant some money and he gives me 8 little balls. I take 4 and give 4 to James.
"What needs to be done James?" I ask my son.
"Oh simple, toss the ball in the bowl, if you get it in, you win a fish."
Out of the 8 balls we each got one in, so we got a fish.
As we are heading over to another game, James asks me "What are you naming your fish?" I ponder this a moment and answer "Bill". I quirk an eyebrow to Sookie knowing she will understand this.
Why would you name your fish after Uncle Bill Eric?"
"He is not your uncle James; he is your mother's former boyfriend." I inform him. I'll be damned if my son calls Compton uncle.
James looks over to me. "You mean they used to kiss?" I know immediately he remembers our conversation from the go kart place.
"Yes". I tell him
Then James looks to Sookie and says "Eww mom, you used to kiss Bill… gross." We both look at each other and start laughing. Gross indeed. Sookie stalks off in front of us.
"You think she's mad Eric?"
"Without a doubt". I reply jovially.
We play some more games and then head over to some smaller rides that James can go on. While we are waiting for him to get off some swing type ride, I place my arm around Sookie and kiss her on the cheek.
"What's that for Eric?" She asks me.
"Oh no reason, I'm just enjoying myself." I tell her. Honestly I did it without even thinking. Like on auto-pilot. Here I am being all sweet when all I feel like doing is throwing her down and fucking her senseless.
Once James get's off the ride, we make our way toward some of the larger rides. We are passing the "Tunnel of Love" and all I can think to myself if how great it would be to get Sookie alone in there for a few.
James asks Sookie why the ride is called the "Tunnel of Love" and she hesitates not sure what to say, I figure I'll help her out and answer "It's so grownups can kiss." I also can not miss this opportunity to mess with Sookie a bit.
"Wanna go for a ride Sookie?"
James just busts out laughing. And I'm grinning like a fool as she just keeps getting redder and redder.
"You both better stop teasing me …or… I'll…I'll." she sputters.
"You'll what Sookie… Kiss us?" And with that both James and I bust out laughing again as sookie takes off in front of us.
We end up going on a few rides. James wants to go on this thing called the Gravitron. Sookie refuses to go, so I offer to go. We get in this thing and it starts out spinning around very slowly. Not so bad. Until the fucker picked up speed. Ughh. I swear for the first time in over 1000 years I was nauseous. When we get off the ride I need a minute, so I tell James to go to Sookie.
After I compose myself, I head over to them and see that cock Heveraux with them. I can tell my son is irritated by his tone when he tells Heveraux his name.
"Leave them alone Hevereaux, NOW." I snarl to the fucking were. Slipping one arm around Sookie, and placing one hand on James.
. "Eric, he really hates you." James says to me.
"Why do you say that James?" I bend down to be eye level with him.
" When I walked up he was thinking mommy was pretty and he wanted to ask her out for a date. He saw me and stared at me. He hated me. He thought I looked like you. He thought you where a monster and something called a sociopath."
"You know, your mom always did have problems with admirers, especially ones with fur who bark at the moon." I say. Inside I'm totally fuming and wondering what were blood tastes like. But I look over to my boy and start laughing again and he joins me.
We spend about another hour at the fair until Sookie notices it's getting late. On the way back to my place she asks me to stop at Wal-Mart so we can get the school supplies James will need for his first day. Sookie takes off towards the supply section right off, and I drag James with me to roam around. He wants to go look at video games.
"Do you see something you would like?" I ask him figuring I'll buy him a game or something.
"Oh no, I don't have a wii, or a Xbox or a playstation 3." He says quite disappointed about that fact.
Figuring I'll just fix this problem I tell him "Well, which one do you want?"
"Oh none thanks. It's not my birthday or Christmas. Mommy would get mad if I took it."
What the hell. She would get mad. I can buy my son whatever I choose. Fuck her.
We leave the games area and come across the area with the skateboards. James immediately get's this evil little look in his eye, and grabs a board and hops on. Thinking it looks like fun, I do so as well. I never realized how essentially hard it is to be my height maneuver a skateboard as when I'm speeding past Sookie I am unable to stop and crash into a DVD display.
Some old little human comes running over yelling" That's it! I'm calling the cops!" I get up and head over to glamour him.
That is until I see James looking up at him speaking softly" You will forget this. Turn around and walk away." And just like that, the guard leaves us.
"Did you just glamour him James?" I ask with pride.
"Yep." James tells me grinning.
"You did well son." I walk over and pat him on the back.
"James, you will NEVER, EVER do that again. Do you understand me?" Sookie yells
"And you." She whips around to me. "Don't ever encourage him to behave like that buddy. You're supposed to be a role model, not his partner in crime." She says poking a finger at my chest.
James says "She's mad at us again, huh Eric?"
"So it would seem." I reply and we both start laughing again.
I drop them off around 1:30am. I need to head to the bar and catch up on some paperwork also thinking a feed and fuck might be in order as well. Being around Sookie all night made me horny as hell.
Once I arrive at the bar I head into my office and there is a messenger of DeCastro's there. Fuck. He informs me the meeting is Thursday night at 10pm. I'm totally infuriated now and when the little bitch leaves I head out to the bar for some amusement. Grabbing my new dancer Yvetta, I take her back to the office.
I've never fucked this one before. "Disrobe" I tell her. She immediately looks at me with lust in her eyes and takes off her clothes. Figuring it would make things easier I also take my clothes off and sit in my chair. She crawls over to me on her hands and knees and takes my cock in her mouth. I look down at her and I'm really enjoying what she's doing. She takes me in her mouth all the way, and I feel like I'm going to come. Shooting my load in her mouth, I grab her and sit her on my erection.
She grinds back and forth on me and I take a nipple in my mouth biting and teasing it.
"Oh, Master" she groans. "Spank me" Oh yeah. I spank her ass and she moans. I'm lifting her up and down on my cock thrusting into her fast. I spank her ass as I'm slamming into her and she's moaning. Feeling her walls clench I lean over and bite her breast and she comes hard. I slam into her two more times and I reach my own release.
While we are dressing she asks me "Master, would you care to accompany me to a sex club tomorrow, it will be hot." What a little freak.
"Why not". I tell her. She gives me the details on where and when to meet her and leaves the office. I have on occasion taken lovers and kept them around for a few weeks. This one likes kinky stuff I can tell. It might be fun for a few weeks.
Once I get home before I go to my rest, I check my phone. A text from Sookie that she's home okay. I need to put some distance between us. I personally can't handle all the emotions she invokes in me.
The next night I go to the sex club with Yvetta. It's in Baton Rouge, and I've never actually been. We got into some very freaky shit. I ended up fucking her and 6 other woman. She had sex with some guy while I fucked her up the ass. I spanked her while she went down on this awesome little blond. And many other diversions. To make matters even better I did not even think of Sookie once. What a great night. By the time I go home, I realize in my lust, I forgot to call or text James. Not good. So I sent Sookie an email telling her I'd been busy, but that I wanted to take James over night Wednesday and that I would call him tomorrow to find out how school went.
The next two nights where pretty dull. I spent it at the bar. I called James Monday and was pleased to find out he enjoyed school. I'd called the house so I spoke with sookie first.
"Hi Eric guess what I got the job!!" She tells me excitedly.
"That great Sookie, I'm so happy for you." And I am. I really am proud of her that she went college and got a degree. She's so much better than a common waitress.
She tells me about the job and the hours she will be working. Then she suggests that we make Wednesday and every week thing. This is good.
"That would be good. I find myself enjoying the boy's company". I tell her. And I do. He's a great kid.
"DeCastro wants to meet at 10pm on Thursday night." I pause for a moment,
then before I can think or stop myself I ask her out on a date "If you'd like, I will pick you up around 7pm and we can go to dinner first."
"You don't need to do that Eric; I'm sure your busy I'll just meet you at like 9pm at the bar." She tells me. Huh? She's denying me.
"If you do not wish to accompany me to dinner, just tell me. Do not make excuses." I say trying to contain my anger. Fucking bitch. She should be honored I want to actually bother taking her out.
" Eric, I was just trying to save you a trip out here. It's not that I don't want to go with you." Whatever she had her chance.
"Oh it is no trouble. Would you like to go? Friends do things together, do they not?" I make sure to say friends. I don't want her thinking this is a date now.
"Sounds good. I'll see you at 7 on Thursday then." She tells me. I then ask her to speak to James.
When I rose Wednesday I could hear the sounds of my son echoing through the house. I shower and dress quickly and go looking for him. I find him and his guard Nigel playing pool in my game room.
"Hi Eric!" he says happily and trots over to hug me.
I greet him and dismiss the were for the night. Since it's almost 6pm I realize the boy needs to eat dinner. So I have him change into his karate gi and we head out to my corvette to hit the diner down the road.
Once we are seated at the table, I ask him how school has been and he tells me good.
"Hi Boys" the old human waitress greets us.
"What can I get you?" I order a true blood, and James orders a cheeseburger, fries and milk.
The minute I said True Blood the old human kept glaring at me. I look over to my son, and see him getting pissed.
When the old human returns and places the drinks down my son rips into her "You know lady, he's not going to eat me." She huffs off.
"Why did you say that James?" I ask him.
"She thought we where nice until you ordered a True Blood and realized you are a vampire. Then she thought why was I with you, and that I was probably your snack for the night and it was gross." He tells me clearly disgusted with the woman.
"James, our situation is very unique. There are not many vampire parents. There are none with biological children like I. People will think things, you must try and block them out, or you will just get mad." I tell him.
Then I ask a question that's been bothering me "Does it bother you I am a vampire?"
He hesitates a moment. "No. It does not bother me at all. I'm just mad I never knew you until we moved here." He says sipping his milk.
I smile at this. "I'm angry about that as well. But we know each other now. Right?"
"Yep." And he smiles at me.
James finishes his cheeseburger and we head to karate. The minute we walk in the studio I'm surrounded by single woman with tiny humans. I look around and feel the mass lust I'm inspiring. I tell James quickly. "Keep your thoughts blocked, do you understand?"
He looks over at me and grins."Oh yeah… I know they wanna KISS you." And giggles and runs off to join his class. Damn telepaths.
The instructor comes out and begins the class. He's very well informed and I approve of the way he's teaching. I can see by watching James's movements that sometimes he is much faster than the other children. I watch him pause for a moment, and then continue. I realize this must be how he controls his speed. It's quite impressive he's figured out how to do this on his own.
When the instructor breaks the children up to spar I watch him go up to the instructor and say he's not feeling well and would like to leave. He comes to me and grabs my hand to lead me out to the car. Once we are on our way home I ask him.
"Are you ill?" instantly worried he might be sick.
"Oh no, I'm just not very good at controlling my strength and I don't want hurt anyone again..." he says sadly.
He goes on to tell me that in Florida he'd dropped out of Karate and because he hurt someone on accident. He never told Sookie and still pretended to go. Also he has to be careful when playing with other children so he does not hurt them. My heart instantly goes out to him.
'I can teach you to control your strength and speed." I tell him
"Really?" he asks exuberantly.
"Yes son."
This seems to make him happy and when we get back to the house I ask him if he'd like to go swimming. We head out back. After spending about an hour in the pool splashing around and working on control techniques I tell him it's time to head in.
Instructing him its time to get ready for bed, I leave him for a few moments to check my messages. When I return to his room he's in bed already.
"Would you like to hear a story about my youth?" I ask him.
He nods and I tell him the story of my first sea voyage. After I'm done speaking I lean over and kiss his forehead and wish him goodnight and tell him I'll see him tomorrow. I'd told him on Monday that I was taking his mom out to dinner and to my bar.
"Night Eric." he replies sleepily.
I had texted Sookie a few times this evening to mess with her. I also figured she might be worried about James since he told me he'd never spent the night away from her. James let me know his teacher had called her Mrs. Northman at school today when she came. I could not pass up a chance to tease her about that.
I rise quickly tonight and shower and dress at vamp speed. I need to be in Bon Temps in less than an hour. I'm still wondering why I asked Sookie out to dinner. I've been so conflicted about how to proceed. Some days I want her back, other's I'm so angry still I could drain her.
I arrive a little before 7 and James shows me in. We sit back down on the couch and he asks me for help with his math homework. He asks me who is watching him, and I let him know Compton. We work on the math for a few minutes till I sense Sookie's presence behind me I whip around to look. She's gorgeous. I'm stunned speechless.
"You look really pretty mommy... doesn't she Eric? My son asks me.
"Indeed" I answer. She looks fucking hot. All I want to so is throw her down and fuck her.
Just then there is a knock at the door.I go over to the door to open it and Compton is on the other side." Compton." I greet with a snarl.
"Sheriff, Sookie." he replies.
"Hey little man." He says to James.
"Compton." HA. That's my boy.
"James, remember your manners." Sookie scolds him. Come on, she's no fun.
"Fine. Hi Bill." He amends. James is obviously not too happy. He seemed to hero worship Compton till I told him he used to be Sookie's boyfriend. Now he does not like him. That is good.
I grab Sookie's arm to glide her to my car. "Have a good night son, I will call you tomorrow." I say to our son.
James bids us both goodbye and we leave. I'm not looking forward to dealing with that prick DeCastro or the few things I need to warn Sookie about with regard to her behavior over dinner.
A/N: Next Chapter is going to deal with the De Castro meeting. The it will jump too Halloween night. Eric is getting ready to find out about Damien soon, and he will not be pleased.